Civilian Dragon Lord

The throne room was quiet. Normally at this hour, courtiers and administrators would be bussing up and down the halls. However, right now, the King sat on his throne with eight of the kingdom's most elite warriors before him. Over the past fifteen year's these warriors had entered service and risen through the ranks. However, in the last 7 years, they had formed the Dragon Squad and proven themselves to be the top fighters around. Each was dressed in full formal regalia, complete with impressive gold knotwork on their shoulders for rank, having just come in from the public promotion ceremony.

"My gods of war, come forward." Said the king, gesturing to eight.

"With your new rank as of gods of war, you will serve under the supreme commander, and while your terms of required service are up, your rank is beyond your active service. I request you each take charge of a province. You are not responsible for the day-to-day operation, that is still the lord governors. However, in what capacity you see fit, you are in charge of the military forces of your given province. Jackson, as first among the gods of war, I am assigning you to Rhodes. Being in the west, you will have easy access to the capital here but also be able to support Asrana who will be assigned to Warrenton in the Northwest."

"Yes, My lord," said Jackson, bowing and accepting a sealed tube of orders.

"Anika, as second, I am placing you in charge of Placida to the east of the capital. Port Manai and its garrison will be under your purview, but I am sure you will spend much time in Tirana dealing with Lord Reva."

Anika stepped forward and accepted her tube, a look of distaste crossing her face at the mention of Lord Reva.

"Gad, Malachi, and Carter, you three are assigned to the southern provinces of Ruatha, Parcia, and Karth respectively. Hopefully, you can encourage the farmers there to send more food supplies north and avoid too much of the fighting."

"Thank you, my lord," said the three, accepting their orders and stepping back.

"Zev, I give you the unenviable task of dealing with Coutre. It is beautiful coast there, but you are Cutoff from Placida to the south by the Drahgfir mountains. Coordinate with Nash who I am assigning to Ashai."

"Yes my lord." Said Zev.

"Nash, Asrana, step forward." Said the king. "you two will bear the brunt of any hostilities to come. The Empire agreed to six months of ceasefire, but that is already half gone. If things start back up, it will be up to you to defend the walls, and garrisons. Call in aid as you see fit. Asrana, take charge of Warrington province, and Nash, you will have the province of Ashai."

"Yes my lord." They each replied.

"Any questions before I release you to a much deserved time away from the front lines?" asked the king.

It was Anika who stepped forward. "My lord.... Andrew? He was not at the promotion ceremony and was not mentioned..."

The king sighed. "O he was there, don't worry. He saw you each raised to gods of war. However as for the rest... at his request, he was left out. As for where he is now, he is already on his way to the airfield I imagine, where there are planes ready for each of you."

Jackson and Anika glanced uncertainly at each other before bowing formally to the king.

"We serve the kingdom, and we will listen for the command of the supreme commander." The eight gods of war said as they bowed formally, and retreated to pack, and head to the airfield.

After the gods of war departed, a hook-nosed advisor stepped out of the shadows and sneered, "they serve the kingdom and the supreme commander, but how about their king?"

"It is the pledge of the elite dragon brigade and has been since its inception, even when there were no gods of war yet, nor a supreme commander in place," said the king in a tired tone.

"then why have you not ordered it changed?" queried the advisor.

"It is tradition, Freemont, and they have served their terms faithfully. There is no need for you to pick a fight with them," replied the king.

"And DeVos? Will you hold their conscription term upheld?" Freemont pressed.

"They sent us Andrew. He may not have been DeVos blood, but with everything he and the Dragon squad have accomplished, why should we make a fuss about it? If they had not sought him out, the kingdom may not be standing."

Freemont frowned and held up a document. "The man was likely just a street orphan from what my sources say. How is that upholding the conscription decree for 8 years of service of a member of each high family?"

The king glared at his annoying advisor. "I know what the degree says, I signed it and enacted it! The spirit of the law was preserved and the kingdom is better off because of it. Drop it!"

"Yes my lord" Freemont said, stuffing the intelligence page back in his pocket.

Anika, the newly minted goddess of war, made her way onto the private plane bound for Placida. She was still in her formal regalia as she was sure the lord governor would find out she was on her way and set up a greeting committee. She groaned at the thought of more public appearances.

As she boarded, she noticed a tall, lean man reclining in one of the few luxury seats aboard, reading a file. At first, all she could make out was a standard field uniform and standard short-cropped brown hair, but just as she was about to question who he was, the man lowered his file.

Anika snapped to attention. "Commander!"

"At ease, general, we know each other better than that. If you are ready, tell the pilot to take off then have a seat."

"Yes, sir!" said Anika, snapping another salute, her tone full of respect and... admiration?

After Anika gave the pilot instructions she took her seat facing the man who she knew was only a few months older than her own twenty-four years. Five years together on the battlefield had hardened them both.

"Will you be joining me in Placida commander?" she asked tentatively.

"Anika, dear, we are alone. You can dispense with the titles. You know how much I despise them in the best of times."

"Yes, of course. But what are you doing here? Are you coming to Tirana to help with Lord Reva or do you have other plans in Placida?" Anika asked, her eyes probing.

"I will depart when we land in Tirana. The capital is not for me. But never fear, I will still be within Placida. I think I will head to the coast and see what Durres is like these days."

"Andrew," Anika hedged, as the plane lifted off for the short flight to the Placidan capital city. "What do you plan to do in Durres? Didn't you grow up there?"

"Many years ago, I was born there. But grew up? No, the Drahgfir mountains claim that honor, or horror, depending on how one thinks of the past." Said Andrew, lost in thought.

"What are my orders then?" Asked Anika, a sense of professionalism masking her face.

"Protect the people. This war has dragged on for over fifteen years now. Use this time of peace to give them something to fight for here at home. They need a strong society that allows them to forget the battles we fight. Work on the military as you can, but focus on the Fire Dragon Corporation. That is my gift to you for your service. Use it to serve the people of Placida." Andrew explained.

"gods of war and now business hu?" Anika chuckled. "I am not sure my flavor of negotiation will go over well in a boardroom."

Andrew cracked a smile as he watched Anika twirl a small dagger between her fingers. "It may be just what is needed in some cases, but you are right, we should minimize the bloodshed at home."

As the plane descended for landing Anika asked, "will we see each other?"

"I am sure you will find an excuse to visit. It is your job after all to see all of Placida, and report," said Andrew with a smile. "I am not confining you to Tirana. Port Manai and Durres will need your attention in due time. But make sure you have a firm foundation in Tirana first."

"Give Raya my regards." Said Anika as they touched down at a small airstrip in Tirana, the Capital of Placida.

"Always. Gah it still amazes me that we can fly like this. If only planes could be used in the war it would be so much easier." Said Andrew.

"you know as well as I that the empire's air defense is almost as strong as ours. We are lucky to keep a drone in the air outside the border without it getting taken out. A plane of any sort almost never returns." Said Anika, standing to disembark.

Andrew glanced out the window and saw a small crowd forming.

"Dam, I was hoping to avoid being noticed."

"Yet you flew with me?" Anika chuckled.

"I will get my bike out of the cargo hold and leave from the ramp. Don't look for me. And Anika, be safe," said Andrew.

"You as well, commander." Anika smiled warmly and saluted out of habit.

The black hoverbike slipped around a corner and flew through intersections. Most people just thought a motorcycle was weaving through traffic. Few realized a high-end, powerful hoverbike was next to them. As the rider neared the port city of Durres, feelings of rightness began to settle on him. It had been 15 years since he first left Durres. Back then he was only a young starving boy of 12 who had just lost his parents. However, despite the pain of memory in this city, coming back now, this place just felt right to him.

'thinking of making this home?' said a telepathic voice in his head.

'yes, Raya, I believe we will call this place home once more. It will take some work, but I think we are up for the challenge.' Replied Andrew.

'Andrew, this place... you may be feeling good about it, but it gives me the creeps. There is so much.... Wrong about this place.' said Raya.

'There are likely some bad people around. We will just have to clean up the town. It will be a good exercise for us anyway.' Replied Andrew.

Raya suddenly remarked coldly, 'your arrival has been noticed by the Devos family. They will likely send someone to contact you. I can sense their pawns in the area.'

'Dam, they must have been watching the airport. Well, they can all go to hell. They were peons 8 years ago and are worthless now! That son of theirs, Conner, skirted battle thanks to me. For now, we ignore them. However, if they interfere with my plans, they will suffer. They likely just want to make sure I disappear.' said Andrew.

As Andrew pulled into a large walking park, he began scouting the area. Many would consider him paranoid. Andrew considered his caution a skill more people should hone. After all, his heightened senses and awareness had saved him and his team countless times on the battlefield.

His black bike with its pure gold accents was eye-catching for sure. Thankfully, most people didn't notice things that were outside what they expected to see such as the fact it was a hoverbike, instead of a normal motorcycle. His bike was the custom prototype product of several companies that were on the cutting edge of modern warfare technology. Speed could make the difference in battle, and business.

Knowing that he would soon be approached by pawns of the Devos, Andrew set off for the middle of the park and found a secluded bench to sit at. From here he could see anyone that approached a long way off. He took out his phone and began scrolling there the latest intelligence packet while a call connected.

"Jackson, I am back. Situation update," said Andrew.

"Commander, it's good to hear you are back in one piece. I have things coming along here. Overall, the situation is not yet in hand but with you here, it should fall into place quickly. I have people in place to assist you with anything you need. But sir, per your request they have not made your arrival known, so many hostile forces are still in power in the black and gray realms."

Andrew frowned. Jackson was a superior fighter who had been under his command on the battlefield for years. Jackson was even the first of the team to be formally named a god of war. Eventually, after his term of conscription was finished, Jackson had become known as the Cobalt god of war, assigned to the western province of Rhodes, one of the eight gods of war who served under the supreme god of war. Andrew knew Jackson's strengths lent themselves to the subtle behind-the-scenes moves more than being flamboyant in business. After all, he was the team's sniper and was used to blending into the backdrop. However, Andrew had hoped for a bit more of his plans to have been established by the time he decided to "retire" to Durres. Oh well, Andrew thought to himself, he would need something to do to keep his mind active. He was only in his mid-twenties after all. Some gray world gangsters would not be trouble. The black realm may be darker, crueler, and overall a stronger breed of criminal, but at the end of the day, they should not pose any threat to his long-term plans either.

"Have you found me a suitable site?" asked Andrew. While he was planning on relaxing from war for a few years here in Durres, naturally this did not mean he intended to be slack in his physical training.

"Yes commander, there is a suitable construction site owned by the Eisen family. They are in the midst of building a 5-story structure, but the plans show it is just a prebuild, with no current owner. It is still in the initial build phase. I have already contacted the company manager and she is prepared to sign over the title. Because you requested it be incomplete, we are getting it for a good price. I can have the paperwork complete by end of the day." Was Jackson's response.

"Good. Send me the address as soon as the paperwork is complete. You know my specs, have a crew ready to renovate by tomorrow" said Andrew with a soft air of command that brooked no argument.

Andrew clicked off the call and looked up from his phone to see a group of men rushing toward him in controlled haste.

Five men in black formal suits were hurrying over to him as if they expected him to turn to smoke and vanish if they were a second later.

This would be people from the Devos family then, thought Andrew.

People walking in the park gave way, and many ducked out of the area fearing some sort of police action was underway. Several even tried to hide, not wanting to attract the attention of these imposing men.

The men scanned the park and began to fan out as if they had lost track of their prey. Little did they know that Andrew was a master of avoiding detection. The lead suit turned onto the walkway with Andrew's bench only feet away and froze, startled. Andrew was just sitting nonchalantly playing with his phone, but a simple glaring glance from Andrew made it clear he had been aware of the group's approach the whole time.

The leader spoke without introduction "the Devos family master wants you to come back to Vroengard, he has business to finalize with you."

"Is that so? Are you sure you want to be looking for me? I have nothing to do with the Devos family. Our contract is complete." Andrew said with contempt.

With Andrew's icy gaze, they all began to shrink back. They had each seen him exit the plane alongside the fiery goddess of war for Placida providence, Anika, and tracked him here. As far as their intel told them, Andrew must have developed into a truly strong killer if he was associated with Anika, goddess of death, for she would not have allowed mediocracy into her inner circle beyond that connection, they were unsure. Yet, he radiated a sense of power that made them all quake. They were not even sure exactly where he might fall in the chain of command for the army. On paper, they believed he was the son-in-law of their master, so that status by itself counted for a lot. Each of the gods of war had unparalleled authority within their given providence, power that rivaled even the Lord Governors. If it came to a fight, the gods of war commanded the loyalty of the armies and would win, and everyone knew it. To piss off one of Anika's staff would not be a wise move.

The men stared at him, a bit shocked at his attitude. Was this young man rejecting a summons from the Devos family, one of the most powerful lord governors in the whole kingdom? His contempt for the family was plain for all to see.

"Mr. Andrew, Lord Devos would like you to come to Vroengard, and officially sign a release."

Andrew turned his head slightly, with a sneer on his face. "Does he think he can order me around? From this day forward, I have no business with him. What could he possibly want?"

If someone else had said these words, these men would have assaulted them without wasting a single moment for the implied slander against their master. However, if the intel was correct, Andrew was the member of the Wyvern order, a powerful martial arts order, and by written contract, the legal husband of the eldest daughter of the Devos family, Celeana!

"Mr. Andrew, Master Devos wishes to discuss the conclusion of that contract. There is the marriage contract, and the family wonders if you are willing to release the claim. Lord Devos has offered one million credits for you to sign the release."

'hmm well, that is interesting. Apparently, you did too well at hiding your status. They don't even know you are the Supreme god of war, or else I bet they would be begging for the marriage to be made public and official right here and now.' Said Raya into Andrew's mind.

'Indeed. Well, it was Conner who prompted my entry into the army. I suppose I should give the girl a chance to decide on her own. I honestly have no knowledge of her or any interest in an arranged marriage. As for the Devos family, after what happened to Antonio, they are high on my list for people who need to be dealt with,' was Andrew's mental reply.

"The Devos family wants to back out of contracts? Figures. Well, I will not traipse across the kingdom to sign some document for that man. If the girl needs a clear conscience so bad to move on in life, she can bring the paperwork herself. Anyone else from the Devos family is considered an enemy in my eyes." Andrew said. He had no interest in this Devos girl, but why not make her come to him and grovel some for what her family had put him through. If she wanted her life back, at least she could do is ask for it in person.

He got up to leave.

"Don't send someone to find me again, otherwise, anyone but the girl that I find in my city is dead! Durres is mine now." Andrew paused in his stride and looked back. "Consider it a Forbidden City for the Devos family."

The terrifying murderous instant enveloped the leader. Even after Andrew turned his back, the leader still held a clenched fist and was visibly nervous. He finally let out a slow shaky breath as Andrew walked away, his back wet with sweat. In front of Andrew, he had been nervous. No, he had been terrified and he hated feeling that way.

Andrew walked back to his bike, slipped on his helmet, and climbed back on his bike. With a flick of two buttons, the bike came to life and a call reconnected to Jackson.

"The Devos family drones showed up. A warning has been issued to them. From now on, Durres becomes a Forbidden City to those of the Devos family. Only the girl may come, if she dares. Let her beg for release. Devos, however, had best remove all business from Placida." Was Andrews curt commands as soon as the call connected.

"Yes, commander." After a pause, Jackson continued "The site transfer should be finished within the hour, I am sending the address to your system now. Is there anything else?"

"no, I will stop by the site and we will see where the day takes us. Send me the docs when they are signed," said Andrew

With that, Andrew powered into the city he had left 13 years ago.

"I'm back."